The Steelers have reached agreement on a new contract with inside linebacker Larry Foote, beating the free-agency signing period that begins at 4:01 p.m. today and keeping him from leaving for the Arizona Cardinals.

In addition, the Steelers are close to an agreement to re-sign wide receiver Plaxico Burress -- a move designed to bolster the receiving unit with the expected departure of Mike Wallace.

The Steelers wanted to re-sign Foote, an unrestricted free agent, because they are thin at inside linebacker. Also, the team is not sure if Sean Spence, last year's third-round pick, will be able to play this season after sustaining a severe knee injury in the 2012 preseason.